In The News

Point Park University’s Conservatory of the Performing Arts and Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy, grades 6 through 12, are partnering during during the fall semester to offer interested students an opportunity to take voice, dance and drama classes. This, thanks to a grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation, which will be overseen by Point Park part-time faculty instructor Ernest Tolentino and the principal of Westinghouse, Bernard Taylor.  

The Root 100 is an annual list of the most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45. It’s a way of honoring the innovators, the leaders, the public figures and game changers whose work from the past year is breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation. Sarah Huny Young received a grant from Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh. Her multimedia project, American Woman, documents black women across the United States.

It’s impossible to keep track of all of the charities this community volunteer has supported with her time, input and financial support over the years. Debi Wheeler created the Pete Wheeler “Pay it Forward” Fund at the Pittsburgh Foundation and serves as its director. Her son died as the result of a traumatic brain injury at the age of 24. "If there is anything I can do to prevent that from happening, I’m going to do it,” she says. 

The Volley for Vision game started a decade ago after the team's head coachs's daughter was born prematurely and diagnosed with an eye disorder that causes blindness. Now, the team raises money for the Team Cassie Fund at the Pittsburgh Foundation to spread awareness, acceptance and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.  

Brian Cohen founded The Documentary Works in 2015 as a vehicle for photographers to collaborate on projects about social and environmental issues. The result has yielded exhibits depicting life above the Marcellus Shale, the effects of the region’s air quality, jazz musicians, and community leaders whose success has come from doing good.  The Pittsburgh Foundation is among the funders of the project.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is honored to partner with Smart Business to present the 2017 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards. It’s humbling to learn about this year’s Smart 50 honorees and what they are doing. We’re a city of champions — still! Not only are we repeat champions on the ice, but we continue to win in boardrooms all over the region. Among the honorees is Foundation Board Member Morgan O'Brien. 

State Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Elizabeth, introduced legislation Friday that would end driver’s license suspensions for people convicted of non-vehicle-related crimes.  Saccone’s legislation received support from Steve Shelton of the Pittsburgh Trade Institute, retired state parole officer Joyce Douglass, Anna Hollis of Amachi Pittsburgh and Khalif Ali of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Legislation is being introduced to end driver's license suspensions for people convicted of a non-vehicle related crimes. Currently, charges including theft, purchase of alcohol and tobacco as a minor, carrying a false identification card and drug possession can result in a license suspension that can last several years after a prison sentence is carried out.

Kristen Maser Michaels and Gisele Fetterman of For Good PGH have teamed up to launch a female-focused business incubator and coworking space in the heart of Braddock: the Hollander.

The small concrete-block building in New Kensington is plain and sturdy. It has no architectural character or charm, except for the “catio,” a screened porch where several cats nap or play as they enjoy fresh air and sunshine.